⚡ Tesla Semi-Truck vs. Competitors

Good Friday Morning. Today, the UAW strike is on as workers pull strategic stops at GM, Ford, and Stellantis, with the trucking terrain preparing for impact. Also, plug in for a closer look at 2023's electric truck leaders, from Tesla Semi to Nikola Tre BEV. Elsewhere, soaring diesel prices pinch the pockets while Amazon rolls out its own 'Prime' for manufacturers. All of that and more in today's newsletter.

In today's email:

• Three Freight Headlines: Auto workers strike at major plants, project44 reduces staff amid market shifts, J.B. Hunt acquires BNSF unit.
• Five Major Electric Truck Companies: Hits and Misses
• Around the Freight Web: Fuel prices skyrocket, Estes outbids Old Dominion for Yellow, GXO announces Texas layoffs, plus more.
• Freight Meme of the Day

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🐔 WHAT’S COOKIN’ IN FREIGHT

🛠️ Auto Workers Launch Strategic Strike at GM, Ford, and Stellantis Plants. Ford CEO states talks are stalled as UAW strikes hit major auto plants, including GM in Wentzville, MO, Ford in Wayne, MI, and Stellantis in Toledo, OH. The strikes may disrupt trucking as parts and vehicle haulers face reduced demand. Central to the unrest? A 40% wage increase and a reduced workweek. Though only 12,700 are on strike, their focus on high-profit plants disrupts supply chains, highlighting tensions between labor rights and the shift to green EVs.

📉 Project44 CEO Announces Staff Reduction Amid Changing Market Conditions.  Project44, a leading supply chain tech company, is parting ways with 116 team members due to shifting market dynamics. CEO Jett McCandless cites a post-pandemic downturn in the shipping and logistics industry, leading to lower shipping costs and increased inflation in labor costs. The company now focuses on achieving SaaS growth and profitability while expanding its product roadmap to offer comprehensive "big V" inventory-in-motion visibility. McCandless remains optimistic about the company's future in the evolving supply chain landscape.

🤝 J.B. Hunt to Acquire BNSF Logistics' Brokerage Unit. J.B. Hunt Transport Services is set to acquire BNSF Logistics' brokerage operations, adding to its 3PL services portfolio. While BNSF Logistics retains specialty services, this move aims to leverage technology investments and enhance transportation solutions. The acquisition strengthens the long-standing partnership between J.B. Hunt and BNSF Railway, paving the way for expanded intermodal capacity. J.B. Hunt's plans include growing its container fleet and increasing service capabilities. The transaction, funded with cash on hand, is expected to close by year-end.

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Five Major Electric Truck Companies: Hits and Misses

In 2021-2022, AV (Autonomous Vehicle) Trucking stole the limelight. But now, 2023 promises a turn in the road. Pushed forward by initiatives like New York City's Clean Trucks Program and California's plan to halt traditional combustion truck sales by 2036, the spotlight is shifting to alternative energy trucks. Funding and regulations are rolling in fast for a zero-emission future, and we're taking a look at five key players in the sector. We'll break down some of the hits and misses for electric truck manufacturers this year.

1. Tesla Semi

• Range: Up to 500 miles on a single charge.
• Max Load Capacity: Around 80,000 pounds.
• Recharge Time: About 30 minutes for an 80% charge.
• Recent Hits: The Semi was put to the test at the Run On Less event, confirming its claims on range and recharge.
• Recent Misses: There have been notable production and delivery delays, with Tesla Semi's volume production not starting until late 2024, according to Elon Musk.

2. (Daimler) Freightliner eCascadia

• Range: Approximately 230 miles per charge.
• Max Load Capacity: Close to 82,000 pounds.
• Recharge Time: Roughly 90 minutes for an 80% charge.
• Recent Hits: Positive early reviews on comfort and driveability. Schneider ordered nearly 100 of the vehicles back in December.
• Recent Misses: In July, the company recalled around 82 of the trucks due to a powertrain issue where the e-motor could detach from the final drive.

3. Volvo VNR 660

• Range: Around 175 miles.
• Max Load Capacity: Roughly 66,000 pounds.
• Recharge Time: About 70 minutes for a full charge.
• Recent Hits: The company has launched the VNR 660, which boasts a 275-mile range.
• Recent Misses: Some concerns over the initial purchase price. The company also recalled 125 units of the VNR due to a fire risk.
  

4. BYD T9

• Range: Close to 200 miles on a single charge.
• Max Load Capacity: About 82,000 pounds.
• Recharge Time: 90 minutes for an 80% charge.
• Recent Hits:  As the world's largest electric truck manufacturer, the China-based company has a strong global presence. BYD has delivered more than 12,000 trucks across all classes globally.
• Recent Misses: Questions about battery lifespan in extreme conditions. While the T9 model has been reliable, BYD has had to deal with recalls of other models.
  

5. Nikola Tre BEV

• Range: Approximately 300 miles.
• Max Load Capacity: Near 80,000 pounds.
• Recharge Time: Roughly 90 minutes for an 80% charge.
• Recent Hits: Noteworthy partnerships and collaborations. The company has delivered 258 electric semi-trucks, including the Tre BEV.  
• Recent Misses: Corporate governance and transparency issues. The company has also recalled around 209 units due to a battery safety issue and temporarily halted sales.
  

Other Mentions:

• Einride: Operating one of the largest electric fleets in the world, the company began construction on its first charging station for electric heavy-duty trucks in the US in 2023.
• Freightliner eM2: Unveiled by Daimler in May, the eM2 is a medium-duty electric box truck with a range of 180 miles.
• Hyliion: Attracting attention with their electric powertrain solutions. Their Hypertruck ERX powertrain can run on renewable gas or other sustainable fuels.
• Peterbilt 579 EV: Peterbilt's leap into electric, merging tradition with innovation with a range of up to 200 miles.
  

For trucking, EVs offer cost savings, environmental benefits, and enhanced brand image. Yet, diesel's reliable performance, durability, and fewer maintenance concerns remain compelling to some. As debates around electric truck viability continue, many foresee a dual road ahead, with electric and diesel engines coexisting in our journey toward a greener future.

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AROUND THE FREIGHT WEB

🛢 Fuel Price Surge. Soaring diesel prices, thanks to OPEC's production cuts and rising global fuel demand, put a strain on trucking companies, with diesel up 48 cents per gallon since July.

🏢 Estes Vs. Old Dominion Yellow Bidding. Trucker Estes Express Lines boosts its bid to $1.525 billion for bankrupt Yellow’s vast U.S. industrial property portfolio, overshadowing a previous $1.5 billion offer by Old Dominion Freight Line.

🚚 GXO Layoffs. GXO Logistics announces the layoff of 92 employees at its Wilmer, Texas distribution center. This follows recent shutdowns in Fort Worth and Aberdeen.

🚧 FMCSA's Safety Boost. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration unveils over $80 million in grants, aiming for trucker safety enhancements and parking access. Included are real-time parking space alerts and tools to combat human trafficking.

📦 "Amazon Prime for Manufacturers." Amazon launches "Supply Chain by Amazon," mirroring Prime's efficiency for manufacturers. This global service streamlines logistics, freeing sellers from supply chain concerns.

FREIGHT MEME OF THE DAY

The FreightCaviar Podcast: Listen to this week’s podcast on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.